Travel Tips and Facts

Friday, July 03, 2009

The best time to travel to Antarctica is November through March, when the ice has retreated, wildlife is abundant and the daylight hours are virtually endless. The wildlife of Antarctica has a lot to do during this short summer, penguins nest, chicks hatch and seals and whales make the most of abundant food stocks. Whether you visit at the beginning or end of the season there is always something to see.

Earlier in the season – November, December and January – is the time for bird watching. Penguins court and mate in the late spring/early summer and in December and January they are hatching eggs and feeding chicks. This is also when the ice is at its most spectacular. You’ll see massive icebergs and the ship may have to crash through plates of ice on the water’s surface.

Later in the season – February and March – is the best time for mammal-spotting with seals, orcas and humpback and minke whales in abundance. Penguin chicks are beginning to fledge and adult penguins are moulting.

Embarkation for most trips occurs in Ushuaia, the world’s most southern city. You can expect temperatures in summer (between December and February) to be around 5°C to 15°C degrees Celsius by day. (41 to 59 degrees F) You should have warm clothing available on arrival; the terminal is heated, but if there is a wind blowing you may need this clothing immediately as you step outside. (If you are arriving on the day of embarkation, your luggage will be taken directly from the airport to the ship even if you are not due to embark for some hours. We suggest you take out and carry warm/waterproof clothing in your day pack; fine conditions one moment can quickly become much colder the next.) At night temperatures can reach 0°C . Patagonia and the Falkland Islands are on almost the same latitude, so expect similar temperatures.

Be aware that windy conditions - ashore, out on deck, or going ashore on zodiacs - will greatly increase the wind-chill factor. A feature of the weather in the Antarctic can be the remarkably quick changes that occur. Even when it is still and sunny, you must be prepared for the possibility of much colder conditions.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

These remote islands are a natural haven for wildlife that thrives in the milder weather just north of the Antarctic. Abundant penguins, including the colourful king penguin, inhabit these islands along with the world’s biggest colonies of black-browed albatross. Offshore, colonies of elephant seals, sea lions, fur seals, dolphins and killer whales roam the waters. You can also explore Port Stanley, the smallest and most isolated capital ‘city’ in the world!

The climate is generally cool but pleasant. Summer temperatures average about 10ºC and in mid winter, about 5ºC. There is little rainfall and snow but it can be quite windy at times. The best time for seeing wildlife is between November and February.

Several Antarctica cruises include stops in Port Stanley, West Point Island, Volunteer Point, South Orkney Islands and Elephant Island.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Common question asked by clients:

How can they possibly travel for a length of time with just one suitcase not to exceed 50 lbs & one carry-on?

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.